Third in Charge

Bright Horizons; Dartford; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits & 24/7 virtual GP

Career development programme

Job summary

Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool is seeking a Third in Charge to lead a dedicated team at our Dartford site, ensuring exceptional care and early years education. The role includes safeguarding leadership, staff development, and strong partnerships with families.

The position offers a competitive salary from £32,448 per annum, with enhanced benefits and progression opportunities within our HEART‑driven culture. DBS checks apply as part of safer recruitment.

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification
• Experience in an Early Years setting, ideally in a leadership role

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, support and inspire a team to deliver exceptional care and education.
• Promote child welfare, health and safety, safeguarding and strong partnerships with parents and professionals.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead when required and engage with Local Authority to support practice.
• Contribute to retention and occupancy growth and promote the nursery externally.

Education

Level 3 Early Years

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool

Salary – From £32,448 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Dartford, Kent

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We’re looking for a Third in Charge to join our Springfield Lodge nursery. At our Dartford nursery, we’re proud to offer a spacious outdoor garden and a dedicated on‑site Forest School area, giving children rich opportunities for exploration and learning. Our long‑standing, experienced staff team provides a warm, consistent environment for every child. The setting is conveniently located close to local transport links and also benefits from an on‑site car park for those who drive. We are committed to supporting our team with continual training and clear pathways for progression within their role.

Our Benefits

• Childcare discount of 50% for first child
• Enhanced parental leave
• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach

*Subject to T&Cs

The Role

As a Third in Charge, you will lead, mentor, support, and inspire a team to deliver exception care and education. You will promote and ensure child welfare, health and safety, and safeguarding, and maintain strong partnerships with colleagues, parents, and other professionals to meet each child’s needs. When required, you will also act as Designated Safeguarding Lead at the nursery, promote the nursery to support retention and ongoing occupancy growth, and engage with the Local Authority to understand the local offering and support practice across all areas of the nursery.

What we’re looking for

• Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification
• Previous experience working within an Early Years setting – ideally as a Third in Charge, Room Leader, Early Years Educator or similar
• Confident decision maker, with previous experience providing support and leadership to others
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the wider legislative requirements for working with children
• Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents/ carers
• Ability to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adults

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.